We are an online journal exploring the myriad experiences and ideas from Third Culture Kids around the planet.

I was afraid that by identifying as a Javanese woman, I would be mistaken for being submissive, accepting and feminine. I would be misunderstood as being passive, when there is power in subtlety, courtesy, initiative, emotional mastery and consciousness...

When that kind of visual programming is pervasive, and generations grow up watching that kind of trash on a nightly basis, is it any surprise when these countries have fairly high domestic violence rates?

What happens behind closed doors between an unmarried man and a woman “is a matter of function”, however when the tables are turned, it becomes a matter of honor. Somehow, society takes collective action to cast verdicts on female honor, which keep her from realizing her own worth...

In early autumn when female students in Japan were expected to be making scarves/mufflers and sweaters for their boyfriends as love tokens, my professor would walk into the cafeteria, walk up to a group of women knitting and ask for someone’s. He would peer at it with a critical eye and start knitting and hold a conversation with anyone in the group who was currently a student of his.

Gender issues affect us all, regardless of our borders. This month, united, we look at the misconceptions, the pain, the triumphs and the lessons that have impacted our team.

To our transgender friends, we would love to represent you in this issue. If you have a third-culture story to share, have a look at our guidelines and please send your article in to editor@tcktown.com